Our Indonesia

Pallu Bassa, Toasted coconut meat

2010-01-26T21:47:00.000-08:00

THIS is a food with a thick gravy sauce. It was very tasty. Containing meat or offal beef or buffalo. Savory taste comes from toasted coconut brownish that sown into the broth. Pallu Bassa delicious eaten with white rice.

In some stores famous Bassa pallu in Makassar, you will find a queue of people waiting for a place to eat. As in the shop on Jl Bassa pallu Jl. Serigala or Jl Onta Lama. There, you must be willing to stand for several minutes before you can enjoy this dish. How? You already know the answer.

Though based, each shop has a unique concoction that makes it different. Bassa pallu seasoning sauce consisting of acid Java, lemongrass, galangal, salt, sugar, onion, garlic, coriander, pepper, and grated coconut is roasted. Sauce available for those who like the taste of spicy.

Source :
http://www.enjoysulawesi.com/in/makassar/wisata-kuliner/192-pallu-basa-savory-broth-meat.html

Children and sex predators

2010-01-25T21:24:00.000-08:00

The recent murder and mutilation of an 8-year-old street child, Ardiansyah, has once again starkly highlights the serious plight of street children in Indonesia. A succession of programs has been developed in response to the problems of this population.

The government, through the Social Services Ministry, has attempted to address the problems through a number of avenues.

However, the overall effort appears to be superficial at best. The number of street children continues to climb, while their situation worsens.

In spite of the failure of various programs that are uniformly developed in the form of national programs, the government seems to be reluctant to change its position and undertake alternative approaches in addressing the problem of street children.

Intervention programs for street children are still undertaken under the framework of “social rehabilitation”, giving the impression that this group is still being pathologized as a deviant population that needs to be rehabilitated, rather than as a sector of the community that needs protection and assistance. It is in the name of rehabilitation when government action takes the form of organized mass arrests and punitive legal action.

It is important to note that the common perception of street children in Indonesia as being runaways, delinquents or abandoned by their family is a fallacy. Such an interpretation does not accurately reflect the characteristics of the majority of this population.

The fact is that most street children in Indonesia, like Ardiansyah, are simply “working kids” who engage in economically productive activities in an effort to stave off poverty. For some children, their ability to work, helping their impoverished families, is part of their sense of self-worth. The discourse on economically active children is culturally acceptable in most of Indonesian society.

It is poverty that renders their parents unable to care for and supervise these children adequately. In the case of Ardiansyah, the circumstance of his impoverished family seems to have led to neglect. He was a victim of child neglect and was vulnerable to sex predators and other street dangers.

Street children, male or female, are among the most vulnerable to sexual abuse. Unfortunately, research exploring this issue has traditionally focused on the female population, neglecting the experience of male children, whose plight has largely gone unacknowledged.

In the case of child prostitution, for instance, the general assumption is that the victims are only girls.

The reality, however, demonstrates that boys are no less vulnerable than girls to sexual abuse.

Poverty is often seen as the main underlying factor that makes children in Indonesia vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation. However, it is important to note that there are some aspects of our culture, such as the characteristics of adult-child relationships in society, which pose serious risks for children becoming easy targets for sex predators.

It is easy for pedophiles to win the trust of parents in our society. Some parents are still unaware of the danger when a stranger tries to approach their children. Some will even feel flattered to find someone who appears to be genuinely interested in and caring of their children. They do not realize that, in the manner of a hunter, pedophiles are predators who will do anything to get their victims.

The case of Ardiansyah shows how it is not difficult for even an “amateur” predator like Baikuni, who is reported to have confessed to the crime, to easily outwit people in society. Baikuni’s profile does not fit the prototype of such global pedophile rings as Wonderland or Orchid Clubs, two of the largest worldwide Internet-based pedophile rings, originating in the United States.

Predators like Baikuni do not need Internet access or sophisticated encryption codes to disguise their crimes, as they simply live among the most vulnerable children where they can easily cultivate the victims they wishes to abuse while the people around remain ignorant.

Research on street children in Indonesia tends to romanticize the circumstances of these children and emphasize the exposure to deviations experienced by this population compared to children in general. As a result, only a few studies have focused on critiquing the policy and intervention programs for this population.

International pressure seems to have led Indonesia to adopt policies and programs on street children haphazardly in an attempt to fulfill international requirements. As a result, some of the government’s responses have been grossly ineffective and culturally insensitive.

Inconsistency in the government’s policies is another significant issue that has led to the ineffectiveness of the programs. This has resulted in a climate where intervention programs for street children, such as shelters or drop-in centers, which mushroomed in the late 1990s, in the long term are not sustainable.

Drop-in centers, characterized as semi-institutional, were initially designed only as a preliminary element of intervention programs for street children. They were developed as an emergency care unit giving priority to children who were homeless and had no significant contact with families. Some other follow-up and referral programs should have been established in an integrated approach along with the establishment of these centers.

The absence of follow-up programs has resulted in most drop-in centers focusing their efforts on delivering long-term programs while neglecting their main function of reaching out to the most vulnerable children on the streets. Most drop-in centers are also no longer characterized as semi-institutional, as children must officially register and satisfy certain conditions to be eligible for services.

Society has witnessed the shortcomings of the government and concerned ministries and departments in responding to such serious yet sensitive issues. A culture of hope is emerging from the newly installed ministry of women’s empowerment and child protection. The question now remains whether this new ministry will provide a better system for child protection in Indonesia.

The inauguration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s second Cabinet has just taken place and its spirit still lingers, yet discussion on child protection remains muted. Politicians such as Tifatul Sembiring, who was appointed information and communications minister and who actively brought child protection issues to the media’s attention as part of his campaign during the Cabinet selection process, has not commented substantially on the matter since then. Nor have we had any significant comment on this case from Linda Gumelar, the state minister for women’s empowerment and child protection.

By : Muhrisun Afandi

Sources :

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/01/25/children-and-sex-predators.html

http://www.kompas.com/data/photo/2008/04/14/232313p.bmp

Bank scams may have spread nationwide

2010-01-24T21:10:00.000-08:00

The police on Sunday warned that recent thefts through ATM fraud, which have caused losses amounting to billions of rupiah to customers’ personal accounts, may have spread nationwide.

Police Detective chief Comr. Gen. Ito Sumadi said the police were continuing to update their investigation on the case.

“Our cyber crime unit is continuing to probe the case and for now, we are certain [the perpetrators] have also expanded their crime spree to Kalimantan, Sumatra and Java,” Ito said.

East Kalimantan Police have arrested seven new suspects who illegally withdrew money from banks on Friday and Saturday.

Ito added that the arrest of the seven people raised the number of suspects to 20 people nationwide.

Previously, the National Police had announced that they had arrested 13 suspects in Jakarta and
Kalimantan.

“We suspect they are part of a syndicate and we expect to find more suspects,” East Kalimantan Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Antonius Wisnu Sutirta said.

The seven suspects were hotel staff who worked in the hotel’s finance, IT and general affairs departments, Antonius said.

“They colluded to use the hotel’s guests’ BNI-issued credit cards and sent fictitious claims to the bank,” Antonius said, adding that the suspects had been pulling off the scam since 2008 with 344 transactions in total.

National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Eduard Aritonang said on Saturday that the perpetrators may have used several techniques in stealing money from the banks.

He said the techniques included attaching scanning devices to ATMs that were able to read personal data on ATM cards, setting up fake hotline numbers to gather customer data, including their personal identification numbers (PIN) and selling customer data to other perpetrators.

Data for each customer was sold for around Rp 1 million, Aritonang added.

As of Saturday, the police announced there had been 36 victims of ATM scams in Jakarta, Kalimantan and Bali.

“We are still waiting for reports from other victims in other provinces,” Ito said.

Bank Indonesia disclosed that illegal transactions had caused losses to the savings of up to 200 customers of six major banks, namely Bank Central Asia (BCA), Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), Bank Mandiri, Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), Bank Permata and Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII).

Bank Indonesia’s data showed that BNI customers suffered Rp 220 million in losses, BRI customers lost Rp 49 million, while BCA account holders are believed to have suffered the highest losses, estimated at about Rp 5 billion so far. Data on the losses suffered by the three other banks was not available.

Ito urged all banks to immediately improve their ATM security system to help prevent further occurrences of such crimes.

The central bank’s director of banking supervision, Erwin Riyanto, said after a meeting on Saturday attended by all the banks’ officials that the banks had agreed to deal with the issue as quickly as possible.

Sources :

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/01/25/bank-scams-may-have-spread-nationwide.html

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3TjK-sQ3iT2CgQTO1Vddlk_49tbgiazWWw4OIRuT5F2B9X2fRlXKIXHJ6TV1uzHmjyeuR1yOBqUcHAyFMYXYwCI3Fn1iv00sSNmnHVaL4EE5o3R0uajFgveoICoLTLJZ8q4fAkkNlDE/s320/bobol+atm+card.jpg

Yudhoyono’s popularity drops over Century case

2010-01-24T20:56:00.000-08:00

In an alarming sign for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, two recent surveys have just confirmed his declining popularity.

The surveys suggest the causes include the alleged framing of two deputy chairmen of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Bibit Samad Rianto and Chandra M. Hamzah, and, most recently, the Bank Century bailout case.

Although there is no proof the President’s is involved in either case, widespread rumors to the contrary have reduced his popularity, the surveys said.

Officials from polling body Indobarometer said in a press conference over the weekend that public satisfaction over Yudhoyono’s performance in the first 100 days of his second term declined by 15 percent compared to when he had just won re-election.

Indobarometer executive director Muhammad Qodari said the result of the body’s recent survey, conducted between Jan. 8 and 18 and involving 1,200 respondents, showed the President’s public approval rating had dropped from 90 percent in August 2009 to the current 75 percent.

“The 15 percent decrease means there are public needs that the government is not addressing. This is an early indicator for the President to improve the government’s future performance,” Qodari said.

He further elaborated that the declining approval level was strongly related to ongoing legal and political issues.

Qodari said most of the respondents followed the cases of Bibit and Chandra, the alleged murder of the director of a state-owned firm by former KPK chief Antasari Azhar, and the Bank Century bailout case.

He said 69 percent, 79 percent, and 77 percent of the respondents knew about the three cases, respectively.

Another survey, conducted by Kompas daily and published in its Saturday edition, showed a similar trend.

Dividing the President’s public approval rating into four major sectors, Kompas said only 45 percent of the 1,249 respondents felt satisfied with Yudhoyono’s economic performance compared with 63 percent three months earlier.

Only 43 percent expressed satisfaction with his performance on law enforcement issues, 58 percent for his handling of political and security affairs, and 47 percent for welfare matters.

All the figures are a decrease from three months ago, and a larger drop from the President’s rating at the start of his first term in January 2005.

Kompas also found that the public’s confidence in the President’s performance in the four sectors experienced a declining trend compared with the figures three months ago and in early 2005.

The President’s drop in popularity, however, is mild compared with that of his subordinates, Vice President Boediono and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati.

The two have been under intense public scrutiny since the emergence of the Bank Century bailout case, which is centered on the ballooning of bailout funds, totaling Rp 6.76 trillion (US$730 million).

Many see Boediono, then the central bank governor, and Mulyani as responsible for approving the issuing of the funds, some of which are suspected to have been channeled to certain political parties, including Yudhoyono’s Democratic Party.

Qodari said only 18 percent expressed approval for Boediono, but did not mention Mulyani’s rating.

Public policy analyst Agus Pambagyo was quoted as saying by news portal tempointeraktif.com that to restore public trust, it was important for the President to evaluate the implementation of his first 100-days programs.

Source :

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/01/25/yudhoyono’s-popularity-drops-over-century-case.html

http://stat.ks.kidsklik.com/files/2009/07/30_murung1.jpg

Govt to reduce need for foreign loans: Vice Minister

2010-01-24T05:39:00.000-08:00

Indonesia will reduce its need for foreign loans by preferring to meet its financing requirements by the issuance of state debentures, National Dvelopment Planning Vice Minister Lukita Dinarsyah Tuwo said.

Although there were indications Indonesia`s foreign debts would still increase because of a budget deficit, the government had n committed to lessen its need for foreign loans and encourage domestic financing through state debentures (SUN), Lukita said here Friday.

"Due to the state budget deficit foreign debts are expected to rise but in terms of ratio it will drop. In terms of foreign debt we are committed to reducing our foreign debt stock. We will proritize debts from state debentures issued at home or abroad although the majority will certainly be issued at home in the form of state debentures and shariah bonds," he said.

He said by reducing foreign debts in the budget financing the ratio of debts to gross domestic product was expected to drop quicker.

"In terms of ratio the foreign debts will drop faster as we have been committed to limit the debts," he said.

He said with the deficit to drop from 1.6 percent to 1.2 percent in 2014 it was expected the country`s debt ratio to the gross domestic product would drop drom around 30 percent in 2009 to 24 percent in 2014.

"So, every year it drops by one percent," he said.

He said the government expected a 5.5 percent growth in 2010 and up to seven percent in 2012 and "in 2014 the growth is expected to reach above seven percent."

He said the government would strive to return the source of growth to processing industries and agriculture which are expected to contribute an average 3.6 to 3.7 percent to growth.

With regard to inflation he said it was expected to reach around 5.o to 6.0 percent while the rate of poverty to drop to 8.0 to 10 percent and unemployment 5.0 to 6.0 percent in 2014, he said. (*)

Sources :

http://www.antara.co.id/en/news/1264205120/govt-to-reduce-need-for-foreign-loans-vice-minister

http://tempe.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/boediono1.jpeg

Kawah Putih in South Bandung

2010-01-17T06:30:00.000-08:00

Kawah Putih located in the Ranca Bali, about 44 km from the city of Bandung, precisely in the village of Pasir district Mukti Sugih Jambu. When traveling as far as 46 km from Soreang to Ciwidey, will arrive at the Kawah Putih tourist attraction. Toward the crater to the White suggested using a vehicle, do not walk because of slightly uphill road and far enough away, that is about 5 km from the entrance.
According to the data, the Kawah Putih is a crater lake of Mount Patuha with altitude 2434 m above sea level. In addition to the Kawah Putih, still terapat a crater named Crater At the height of 2194 m above sea level and located at the top of the mountain bagain west Patua. Because the lake kawahnya have very high sulfur content, in earlier times had been built with a sulfur plant Zwavel Ontgining Kawah Putih. In the Japanese era, the business was continued under the name Kawah Putih that Kenxaka Gokoya Ciwidey directly under military control.

These days we are content with the picture-image around this amazing location and joking in the crater of this heaven like. Were in another world, may be the world's gods think this may dewi.Sempet Goddess Khayangan vacant place .. or walk while eating peanuts and harp music lacks buah2an .. hehehe .., There was, it was already late afternoon, rain down. Unfortunately, we must move on from there. An unforgettable experience. The holidays would come back here.

Go to Kawah Putih
Since 1987 PT. Perhutani (Persero) Unit III West Java and Banten Kawah Putih develop this area into a tourist attraction. For admission to tourist areas Kawah Putih, every person charged Rp 10.000,00, including insurance premiums. Kawah Putih tourist attraction opened starting at 07.00 and closed at 17.00, every day Monday through Sunday. Facilities for visitors around the Kawah Putih is sufficient with the parking lots, transit transport into the crater, information, mushala, and food stalls.

To get there, visitors from Jakarta can pass Cipularang toll continues to exit toward Soreang Kopo south to the town Ciwidey. Around 20 - 30 minutes from the city Ciwidey visible sign of entry into the tourist entrance to the Kawah Putih in the left side of the road. Kawah Putih to get to the entrance area of the tourist Kawah Putih recommended use vehicles, do not walk because of slightly uphill road and far enough away, which is about 5.6 km or about 10 - 15 minutes drive. Private vehicles can be directly into the parking lot of the available area not far from the crater. While visitors with a large group who use the bus or public transport can use a special vehicle in the parking lot near the entrance gate to reach the crater from the entrance. Small road conditions and climbing is not possible to pass a bus type of vehicle or medium.
Public transportation from Bandung to Ciwidey can be found in Terminal or Leuwi Garden Kalapa length. Once on the City Ciwidey then continued the journey by using the rural transportation purposes Patengan Situ. Rural transportation to this Patengan Situ objects through tourism in the area of Plantation Ciwidey Strawberry, Kawah Putih, Ranca Upas, & hot water pool Cimanggu. To be able to surf and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area and Ciwidey it is not enough for one day.

Legend of Jaka Tarub

2010-01-15T06:04:00.000-08:00

Jaka Tarub is a handsome young man who has supernatural power. He often went out into the woods to hunt or of knowledge. When one day at a full moon night he entered the forest, from the distance he heard the faint sound of women who were joking. Impelled by curiosity, Jaka Tarub running for directions to the voices. Until finally he found a very beautiful lake in the middle of the woods, along with 7 people a very beautiful woman taking a bath and joking ria.

With sediment-ngendap, Jaka Tarub walked over. Then she found the clothes these women are lying scattered. After choosing, he stole one of them and hide them.

Some time went by and the angel was about to return to Khayangan. 6 of them wearing their clothing and fabrics, then flew into the night sky. Then Jaka Tarub understand if the women are angels Khayangan. But an angel left in the lake. Since losing her clothes she could not return to the sky and then burst into tears.

"If there is to find clothes and kainku, when a man I'll make my husband and when the woman I'll make you," vowed the angel. Jaka Tarub then reveal itself and entertain the angels. He gave a piece of cloth to wear the angel, but still hide his clothes so he could fly to Khayangan left. The angel then fulfill his vow and married to Jaka Tarub.

(There is another version where Nawang Wulan not need to swear like that. When Nawang Wulan crying on the lake, Jaka Tarub appeared immediately and comfort, and it offers a place to stay for Nawang Wulan until they finally get married)

Nawang Wulan angel's name, since married to Jaka Tarub living. The harvest is plentiful and the barn was always full of rice without ever needy. Clothing Nawang Wulan Jaka Tarubhidden in the barn that was always full. They were blessed with a child (could be boys or girls, depending on the version of the story) and live happily.

But after a long marriage life, curiosity terusiklah Tarub Jaka. Every day he and his family always eat rice, but the barn is always not as though nothing less rice they used to eat.

Nawang Wulan One day to go to a river. He told the husband to keep the fire in the kitchen, but forbade him to open the lid the pot (in other versions, Nawang Wulan prohibit even Jaka Tarub to enter the kitchen). Jaka Tarub doing her message, but curiosity had buried long ago finally make it violates the ban already booked. She opened the lid on the pot and it turned out there was only one grain of rice. Apparently during this Nawang Wulan requires only a grain of rice to meet the needs of the family of rice a day.

When Nawang Wulan home and opened the lid the pot, there is only a grain of rice in it. Nawang Wulan angry because her husband had violated the ban, and he became upset because since then he had to cook the rice as normal human beings. He was working too hard to pound rice into a lot of rice before the rice menanaknya.

The result for continuous use, over time the rice supply in the barn Jaka Tarub dwindling. Slowly but surely, the rice they grew up, while the harvest is still not arrived.

When Nawang Wulan someday return to take grain to be ground, he saw a protruding piece of cloth behind a pile of rice. When pulled and reviewed, Nawang Wulan remembered if it is bidadarinya clothes. "Apparently Jaka Tarub been hiding my clothes. And because the content of the barn continued to decrease in the end I could find it again. This would have been the will of the Above, "he thought.

Nawang Wulan bidadarinya then dressed and took the cloth. He then met Jaka Tarub to say goodbye and ask for their child care carefully. Jaka Tarub implored her not to leave, but was meant to Nawang Wulan to return to Khayangan and leave him. "Dahilan me when I saw the moon. I will entertain you from up there, "said Nawang Wulan. He was then flown to the sky to Khayangan, leaving Jaka Tarub who wept in remorse.

source :
http://www.princeofbali.com/w/image/Exhibit-200506-08.jpg

Belitung is an Beautiful Island in South East Asia

2010-01-14T05:38:00.000-08:00

Belitung is an Island in South East Asia, a part of Nation archipelago. Belitung is ruled by Indonesia since 1950 and became a district of South Sumatra province. On November 21st, 2000, Belitung and Bangka Island has been approved to become the 31st province of Indonesia separated from South Sumatra. This new province is called ‘Kepulauan Bangka Belitung’ province. This Island is placed at 107o 35' - 108o 18' Latitude and 2o 30' - 3o 15' Longitude.

The length of the diameter from East to West is about 79 km and North to South about 77 km. The total land is 480.060 hectares with 189 small islands surround Belitung. Some of them are quite big with a couple of villages. They are Mendanau Island, Seliu Island, Nadu Island and Batu Dinding Island. Most of Belitung population is come of Melayu ethnic and most of them are Moslem. There are some other ethnics likes Chinese, Javanese, Balinese and some people from Sumatra like Palembang, Minang and Batak. Belitung regency consists of 9 districts and 69 villages. The capital of Belitung is Tanjungpandan, which stay at North West of this Island. The other large towns are Manggar, Gantung, Kelapa Kampit and Sijuk. The main resources, which also become the main product of Belitung Island, are tin mining, kaolin, quartz sands, and granite rock. The plantation are mainly palm oil, pepper, coconut, coffee, natural rubber, and vegetable.

If seen from its tourism sector, Belitung is an island with beautiful beaches, the unique landscape with its purely white sand, and the crystal clear seawater. Belitung is also popular with its granite boulder white stones beach in Tanjung Tinggi, Tanjung Kelayang, Tanjung Binga dan Lengkuas Island. This beautiful nature is also accompanied by hundreds of small islands, which add the beautiful tourism area in Belitung Island. Belitung Island is one of the best and unique beaches own in Indonesia.

Geographically
North coast of the island is South China Sea, Java Sea on the South coast, Kari Mata strait on the East close to Borneo Island and Gaspar strait on the West close to Bangka island. The land is about 4833 square km, 89 km long (East to West) and 69 km wide (North to South) with diversified terrain, hilly areas and extensive tracks of marshland. The climate is tropical, temperature around 27 - 31 C degree during the day and 23 - 25 C degree during the night. There only 2 season a year, rainy season (120mm) from October to April and hot season during April to October. The highest land is Tajam Mountain, only 500m above the sea. The others are just a hill likes Burung Mandi, Kubing, Kik Karak, Peramun, Selumar, Guda, ect.
The land surface is originally tropical forest, but since the development palm oil industry in 1992 more than 40% of the surface are palm oil plantation.

Minister: 100-day program almost completely ready

2010-01-12T10:46:00.000-08:00

The government`s first 100-day program in the economic field is running smoothly and almost 100 percent accomplished, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa said here on Tuesday.

"No hindrances at all in the process of the program and therefore it is almost 100 percent realized," Hatta Rajasa said after a coordination meeting at his office.

But according to Hatta, the problem was that a lot of infrastructure programs were not in accordance with the site plans and forestry regulations.

Therefore, he said, the government would try to complete the revision of two presidential decrees to overcome the problem, namely the presidential decrees on government partnership with private parties, on land provision.

"With those two decrees, development will be managed in ways that accord with the site plans and do not damage forests," Hatta said, adding that if a forest area had to be developed, there would be a good way out.

He said that based on the revised Presidential Decree on land provision, a forest area could be converted into land for other purposes if the compensation was twice as much as the amount of the forest area concerned.

source :
http://www.antara.co.id/en/news/1263290112/minister-100-day-program-almost-completely-ready
http://www.vhrmedia.com/2008/ngadimin/dir_upload/images/Foto%20Yudhoyono%20Pidato-Setneg.jpg

Alert Escalation of Earthquake Frequencies in Indonesia

2010-01-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

The frequency of earthquakes across the nation is drastically increasing in the last five years. This condition could be a sign of a greater quake in the future.

"This is noticeable especially after the tsunami quake in Aceh. After 2004, the big quakes seem to be recurring," said Professor Sri Widiyantoro, seismologist from the Bandung Institute of Technology.

Sri stated that between 1664 and 2005, 30,393 earthquakes have been reported across Indonesia. In the past there were at least 1,000 quakes, whether minor, medium, or major scale in the nation. But, since 2005 the frequency has more than doubled."

"In 2005, 2,527 earthquakes have been reported. Almost everyday there is at least two to three quakes in various parts of Indonesia."

The earthquake in Nangroe Aceh Darussalam in 2004 is believed to have indirectly triggered a movement along the subduction zone of the Indoaustralia and Eurasia tectonic plates on the coast of Sumatera. The quake has also triggered movement on the active fracture segments along Sumatera.

"Although the frequency of the quakes could also have a positive sign, meaning that the energy is being released slowly. But, Sri has advises the people to beware the potential major earthquake around Mentawai. The Mentawai segment hasn't broken yet. It's been spared so far."

His statement is supported by the data from Professor Jim Mori, the seismologist from the University of Kyoto, Japan, which states that the Aceh quake in 2004 is the biggest in the last fifty years and has caused much movement in the Aceh and Mentawai subduction zone, and the movement is even spreading to the north of Nangroe Aceh Darussalam.

source :
http://english.kompas.com/read/2010/01/12/20295145/Alert.Escalation.of.Earthquake.Frequencies.in.Indonesia

Free trade to affect Indonesian industries

2010-01-12T05:23:00.000-08:00

University of Indonesia (UI) economic analyst Ninasapti Triaswasti said the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) effective January 1,2010 would affect certain industrial sectors in Indonesia.

"Certain industrial sectors such as garments and footwear industries are likely to be affected by the free trade area," she said in a discussion on the fate of local industries in the face of the ACFTA system here over the weekend.

She said available data showed that over the past five years. industrial product exports had continued to decline and the implementation of the ACFTA would affect industries and workers.

After all, garment and footwear industries were labor-intensive industries which provided jobs for and improved the welfare of a large number of workers.

With the ACFTA, Chinese products, which are cheaper, would flood Indonesia`s domestic market. "The influx of Chinese products could threaten local industries whose products are more expensive," she said.

She said the government could take precautionary steps such as delaying the implementation of the free trade for certain industrial products which were not yet ready to compete.

The economic analyst said that the Indonesian government signed the ACFTA agreement in 2002 but it had not prepared the domestic industries to face it.

Source :
http://www.antara.co.id/en/news/1263219156/free-trade-to-affect-indonesian-industries
http://www.nicholsoncartoons.com.au/cartoons/new/2002-11-16%20Free%20trade%20agriculture%20subsidies%20WTO%20protest%201m.JPG

Semar: People of the Javanese Wayang

2010-01-11T22:43:00.000-08:00

Village Chief Badranaya Kyai Semar is the name of the main character in panakawan Javanese and Sundanese wayang. This figure is reported as a caretaker and advisor of the knights in the play stories Mahabharata and Ramayana. Of course, Semar's name was not found in the original manuscript is both epic Sanskrit language, because this is a genuine character of the poet's creation of Java.

History Semar

According to the historian, Prof.. Dr. Slamet Muljana, Semar figure was first found in literary works titled Majapahit era Sudamala. In addition in the form Kakawin, Sudamala story also carved reliefs in the temple as a numbered years Sukuh 1439.

Semar is reported as a servant or servants of the story the main character, namely Sahadewa of the Pandavas. Of course, Semar role not only as followers, but also as a hurler of humor to defuse a tense atmosphere.

In the next era, when the Islamic kingdoms developed in Java, wayang was used as a propaganda medium. The stories are still performed around the Mahabharata who was already strong in the memory embedded Java community. One well-known scholars as cultural experts, such as Sunan Kalijaga. In the puppet play, a character Semar still maintained its existence, even more active role than in Sudamala story.

In a further development, increasing the degree of Semar again. Javanese poets in the literary works they told Semar is not just ordinary commoners, Batara melaikan Ismaya embodiment, brother of Guru, the king of the gods.

The Origin and Birth

Semar painting style Surakarta.Terdapat several versions of the birth or origin of Semar. But all this character called the embodiment of god.

Fiber in the script narrated Kanda, celestial ruler named Trance Nurrasa has two sons named Trance Trance singles and authorities. Because Trance Singles ugly, it also inherited the throne of heaven to Trance authorities. From Trance authorities then passed to his son named Guru Yeng. Trance singles later became caretaker of the descendants of Guru knights, with the name of Semar.

Physical form Semar

Semar has a physical form which is very unique, as if he is a symbol of the universe depictions.His round was a symbol of the earth, where humanity and other creatures.

Semar is always smiling, but the puffy-eyed. This representation as a symbol of joy and sorrow.His face was old but stylish haircut tuft like a child, as a symbol of old and young. She male pairs, but had breasts like a woman, as a symbol of men and women. He is the incarnation of a god but to live as the commoners, as a symbol of superiors and subordinates.

Privileges Semar

Semar is a character puppet creations of local poets. Despite its status only as a servant, but parallel to King keluhurannya Krishna in the Mahabharata story. If the war Baratayuda according to the original version, the adviser to the Pandavas Krishna only one, then the puppet, the number increased to two, and the other is Semar.

Semar in literature is shown only as a descendant of Resi Manumanasa caregivers, especially the Pandavas who are the main characters story of the Mahabharata. But in staging the Ramayana themed puppet, the puppeteer is also used to display the Semar as a family caregiver or Sugriwa Sri Rama. As if Semar always appear in every performance puppets, no matter what the title was told.

In wayang, Semar act as caretakers knight class, while Togog as caretakers of the giant. Can certainly foster children can overcome Semar always Togog foster care. This is actually a mere symbol. Semar is a picture of the little people mix and celestial gods. So, if the government - which is symbolized as the knight farm Semar - listening to the little people who like the voice of God, then the state would lead to superior nagara and prosperous.

source :
http://my.opera.com/ndok%20sawah/blog/semar-dalam-pewayangan-jawa

Serabi Imut from Bandung

2010-01-10T21:27:00.000-08:00

Serabi is one of the snack or snack market from Indonesia. Similar to the pancake griddle (Pannekoek or pannenkoek) but made from rice flour (not white flour) and given a sweet liquid sauce (usually from sugar palm). pancake is also very easy to make.

In addition to easily make, pancake sold everywhere. One of Serabi Imut shop located Setiabudhi Road 194 (across the street from Uneh dinner. there are many more shops other pancake: Beta Surabi and Surabi NHI (enhai) also sells the same snacks.

Surabi Imut is a pioneer for the manufacture of various surabi sense. If before people knew surabi is typical Javanese food that tastes just west of two flavors (sweet and Surabi Oncom surabi, but now have to modify Surabi Imut to 27 different taste surabi. This shop provides a variety of common sense presented in pancake stalls, there is a sense strawberries, taste the chicken, egg taste, taste chocolate. Surabi Imut addition also provides dozens of variations surabi with toppings. Starting from a standard like surabi oncom, until the extra-modif surabi kinds of chicken sausage cheese specials. From any genre of choice is different sweet - kind, there is a VLA strawberries, nuts, etc.. What all can be enjoyed by all circles.

The price offered will also vary with the price of Rp. 1000 - Rp. 5000. Do not be fooled by outward appearance, because it does not look convincing though, surabi very filling. For a girl with a standard meal, 1 serving should be tried first, if still lacking the new adds.

Linggardjati Building

2010-01-10T10:21:00.000-08:00

Linggardjati building is the ancient home of Dutch-style buildings in the past that was in the Village Linggarjati, Cilimus district, Kuningan District. This building became the negotiations between the Netherlands and Indonesia on 10-15 November 1946.

The building of this size Text Linggadjati 800m2, standing on a land area of 2.4 hectares. A third wall was composed of stone, and whitewashed walls remaining. This building consists of six rooms for the members of the negotiating delegation, one room for a mediator, a dining room, two reception room, three bathrooms and kitchens. In every room there are two beds, chairs, and cabinets. Almost all the furniture in the building unless it is a replica of a piano and four chairs in the dining room. Some of the pristine antiquity is the floor in the main room with several windows and doors.

Apparently, the owner of the building first called mother Jasitem (1918) have repeatedly changed function. In the year 1930 be home by Van Ost Dome, in 1935 made Hotel Rustoord, in 1942 was renamed the Hotel Hokay Ryokan, in 1945 changed again to Hotel Merdeka, 1948 became the headquarters of Dutch, 1950-1975 Elementary School converted into Linggarjati. New year 1976 (30 years later), the building was proclaimed as historic buildings and museums.

President backs controversial school exams

2010-01-09T21:14:00.000-08:00

Despite his earlier request for a review, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono appears to have thrown his weight behind his subordinate’s decision to retain the controversial final national school exams.

National Education Minister Muhammad Nuh said after a Cabinet meeting with the President on education and health issues, that the government would continue to hold the exams this year, regardless of lingering controversy and the Supreme Court order for the government to first improve the quality of education across the country.

“The national exams are part of our evaluation system, which is part of the studying and teaching process. It is a method [to evaluate], and there are always pluses and minuses in a method,” Nuh told a press conference at the Presidential Office.

“However, at the moment, and with various considerations, the [national exams] is the most appropriate means of assessment. The exams have more positive aspects than negative ones.”

Earlier, while opening the three-hour Cabinet meeting, Yudhoyono expressed concern over the implementation of the exams, which have been plagued with controversy for many years.

Students across the country have come to dread the national exams because the assessment determines their eligibility to graduate from elementary and secondary schools, yet it has seen increasingly difficult passing standards applied equally across the country, regardless of the disparities in education quality among regions.

In his opening speech, Yudhoyono offered two options to improve the public acceptance of the exams; first by allowing failing students to take remedial exams, and second by reviving the Ebtanas system that was used in the 1990s.

“I believe that the UN shouldn’t be the only tool to measure [students’ eligibility to graduate]. It should be combined with other assesments,” he said.

Nuh said that in the 1990s, teachers measured students’ abilities using a system combining results of the school’s own exams and the national-level exams, called Ebtanas.

Earlier, Nuh said, a student’s eligibility for graduation was determined simply by tests schools organized themselves.

Now, students’ eligibility is determined by four factors, and not solely by the national exams — as many may believe.

“First, they have to have finished the school’s education programs. Second, they have to generally
show good morals. Third, they have to pass exams organized by their own school. Fourth, they have to pass the national exams,” the minister said.

He added that there should be no more concerns regarding the exam because his ministry had adopted what the President suggested in his first suggestion, i.e. to allow failing students to take a remedial exam one month after the original exam.

Nuh said the current national exams were the best system, because it could simultaneously help the government map the quality of education in each region.

“So we can improve the quality of teachers and upgrade education facilities in worse-performing regions,” he said.

Nuh denied that the government was defying the September 2009 Supreme Court ruling in favor of a civil lawsuit rejecting the national exams.

He said that despite media reports, the court did not order the government to scrap the exams, but to improve the quality of education in regions to make them better prepared for the exams.

“And that’s what we’ve been working on over the past few years,” Nuh said.

Source :

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/01/08/president-backs-controversial-school-exams.html

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDsU2SplGBvmkYF_TChQjeI6xJYJIoV4nIvsmUGA04fonOJIbUz5L-3xXXYK-Q-R70NQuweuQ0LZwAeXagVXUL4UHJiOE8AigfVTIAlrb5kjH3yG_jJLrtJ8nn0QDfnxwfbZgrivIfTBR/s1600/tanpa+mengurangi+rasa+hormat.jpg

Sisingaan Dance

2010-01-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

Sisingaan is a unique arts community featuring Sunda dolls giant lion which was carried by the players while dancing. On top of which carried the lion puppet was sitting a child who will be circumcised, or a public figure.

One story says that the art sisingaan circa 1840 created by the artists who come from Ciherang area, about 5 km from Subang City. At that time, Subang regency had become "owned" the Dutch and English with established P & T Lands. This causes like local government Subang be double, because politically dominated by the Dutch, but economically under the influence of the businessmen P & T Lands. As a result, the people of Subang become very miserable. In these circumstances, the arts sisingaan born as a form of popular resistance against the occupiers of both nations. And, to assert that sisingaan art is a form of resistance, then used two puppets lion is a symbol of the Dutch and the British state. Therefore, to this day in every game sisingaan always displayed at least two stuffed lions.

In a further development, the arts sisingaan not only spread to other areas in Subang District, but also to other districts in West Java, like Bandung Regency, Purwakarta and Sumedang. Apart from spreading to some areas, this art is also experiencing growth, both in the form of a lion puppet refinement, the arrangement of dance, costume players, as well as waditra and the songs being played.

The players are generally sisingaan men joined in a group consisting of: 8 people penggotong lion puppet (1 doll carried by 4 people), a leader of the group, some waditra players, and one or two people jajangkungan (players who using wood for as long as 3-4 meters walk). These players are people who have special skills, both in dancing and playing waditra. Special skill is necessary owned by each player, because in a show of collective sisingaan needed a solid team for all dance movement that is played while carrying a stuffed lion can be in harmony with the music played by the nayaga.

Arts sisingaan generally shown during the day with around the village during a circumcision ceremony, welcoming the great, the inauguration of the village head, the celebration of independence day and so on. The duration of a gig sisingaan usually takes a long time, depending on the area whether or not to be surrounded by homes.

Equipment used in the game sisingaan are: (1) two or four stretchers lion puppet. Stretcher frame and the head of a lion puppets are made of wood and bamboo are wrapped with cloth and given a seat on his back. Meanwhile, for the feathers in the head and tail made of yarn raffia. For the record, once a lion-shaped bier is made of wood with feathers from the rafters and the flowers are usually made in a snap in time to hold the show. So, first sisingaan not permanent, but only used once and then discarded; (2) waditra set consisting of: two large drums (percussion and drums ovarian children), a trumpet, three beats (bonangs), a kentrung (kulanter ), a small gong, and a kecrek.; and (3) fashion players consisting of: a pair shucks / pangsi, iket barangbang semplak, clothing and footwear taqwa tarumpah or salompak.

Sisingaan show begins with words of welcome by the group leader. After the group leader gives a speech said, then the child will be circumcised or community leaders who will be paraded welcome to climb the lion doll. Furthermore, beating accompaniment tool with songs brought the rhythmic dynamic as a sign of the beginning of the show. Then, a number of 8 players will begin to carry two lion doll (a doll carried by 4 people).

After the lion puppet penggotong ready, then the leader will start giving the cue for them to start doing the dance movements in unison and together. The doll penggotong immediately akrobatis movements are quite exciting. Dance movements are usually played by the puppet lion penggotong are: igeul ngayun glempang, plug / horse-riding, mincid, padungdung, gugulingan, bangkaret, put up, kicking two, step back, kael, ewag, jeblang, Jakarta, Solor , sesenggehan, genying, turn taktak, nanggeuy lions, lift jungjung, ngolecer, symbol, pasagi tilu, literacy cau, nincak rancatan, and kakapalan.

Meanwhile, the songs played by kawih interpreters to accompany the dances are usually drawn from the arts Tilu Tap, Doger, and Kliningan, such as: drought, Song, Titipatipa, Gondang, Kasreng, Gurudugan, Mapay Roko, Kembang prasina, Kangsring, Kembang Beureum, Fruit Kawung, Gondang, Tenggong Petit, Sesenggehan, Badudud, Tunggul Kawing, Side battered, Sireum Beureum, and the song Interlude (Siyur, Tepang Sono, Awet Rajet, Salira Fiber, Honey and Poison, Mr. Wonderful, Goyang Dombret, etc. Warudoyong ).

The show is performed while sisingaan around the village or the village, until finally returning to its place. And, with the dancers arriving in their place, then the show was over.

When examined in depth sisingaan contains not only the aesthetic value alone, but there are other values that in turn can be used as a reference in daily life for the community supporters. These values include cooperation, cohesiveness, order, dam persistence. The value of cooperation seen from the togetherness in preserving the cultural heritage of his predecessors. Cohesiveness and order value is reflected in a performance that can run smoothly. Value of hard work and persistence is reflected in the mastery of dance movements.

Palaces in Cirebon

2010-01-07T19:27:00.000-08:00

IN THE CITY Cirebon, historic sites worth visiting are the two palace brothers, the royal palace and the royal palace Kesepuhan Kanoman.

Based on historical records, as Sunan Gunung Jati was still alive, Cirebon has only one court. However, after death, the palace had split into two by the Dutch. The first royal palace royal palace there is Kasepuhan.

Entering the Palace Kesepuhan area, you will be greeted by a gate made of red brick story. The front of the palace is usually called by Siti Hinggil or high ground, facing directly toward the field where the palace used to gather the troops.

After passing Siti Hinggil-shaped gate and a long fence, other buildings of interest is the Mande Sunando Semar. The building was made of wood. Formerly used as a seat palace advisers. The building has two carved pillars symbolizing prosperity.

Marks the triumph of the palace in his day, can be seen with many ceramics from the Ming Dynasty China attached to the wall, starting at the front gate, to the inside of the palace.

"Ceramics China symbolizes that the relationship was once the palace of Cirebon with China very well. In fact, one of Sunan Gunung Jati's wife is the daughter of China," said the guide in the Palace Kasepuhan, Sugiman.

Kasepuhan royal palace built in 1529 as an extension of the oldest royal palace in Cirebon, Pakungwati, which was built by Prince Cakrabuana, the founder of Cirebon in 1445. The glory of this palace is also seen in a mosque called Masjid Agung Sang Cipta Rasa is in Kasepuhan Palace complex, so beautiful and was built in 1549.

This royal palace also has a sacred golden carriage. The train was called the Lion Barong. Since 1942, this train is not used anymore, and only issued for every 1 Syawal bath.

"The train is golden lion Barong has an interesting technology, like the spokes of a wheel made curved inward, so that water and dirt does not enter into the train," said Sugiman.

If Palace Kasepuhan seemed so grand and well groomed, not so with Kanoman Palace. Unforgettable impression on the royal palace was built in 1662 by Amangkurat I was. To enter this palace, visitors must enter from Market Kanoman. In fact, the high robustness of the gate with more than four meters, was in vain with the number of rickshaws and sidewalk stalls, which mangkaldi below.

Gloomy impression is slightly changed for the better when he entered the palace gates on the inside. Identical with the color pink, the main gate of the palace became a symbol of the triumph Kanoman in the past. Almost the same as Kasepuhan Palace, Kanoman also displaying dozens of antique plates from the Ming Dynasty at the main gate. But unfortunately, many are lost and taken out thieves antiques so many holes in the gate.

"Pendopo the Palace called Pendopo Kanoman Pujinem with 17 poles, there is also a special room called Rabayaksa," said guide Kanoman Palace, Rohim.

Historically, the palace Kanoman younger than Kasepuhan. Kanoman derived from anom which means "young". Splitting of the palace in Cirebon power represented by the two palaces, Kasepuhan and Kanoman.

Fresh tribal clash in Papua

2010-01-07T19:22:00.000-08:00

New clash has taken place between rival groups t in Kwamki Lama village in Timika regency, Papua, on Friday although police had managed to stop the fightings a day earlier.

News portal tempointeraktif.com reported that the new clash began at 7:10 a.m. local time (5:10 a.m. Jakarta time) following provocation from one of the groups since Wednesday night.

The groups, fighting using traditional weapon, picked a new area to fight on after the local police parked an armored vehicle on a street between the two warring neighborhoods on Wednesday.

The clashes began Monday afternoon, and have resulted in the death of one man and injuries to many more.

Police said the feud was due to the unpaid compensation demanded by one tribe for a rape that was allegedly committed by a member of the rival tribe six months ago.

Clashes between tribes are common in Mimika, home to one of the world's richest gold mines. A protracted conflict in 2006 killed 18 people. Another between tribes in Kwamki Lama claimed eight lives in 2007.

Source :

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/01/08/fresh-tribal-clash-papua.html

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/00643/news-graphics-2007-_643007a.jpg

Gudeg Jogja

2010-01-06T19:21:00.000-08:00

If we asked about the traditional foods of Jogja, we would spontaneously replied "Gudeg". Because it is a food Gudeg of Yogyakarta. Like Sate Madura and Pempek Palembang, Yogyakarta Gudeg also very familiar in the ears of Indonesian society. Even foreign tourists even if the visit to Yogyakarta, most of them would find Gudeg, because Gudeg also been known by the world community. In Yogyakarta itself Gudeg almost in all areas Yogyakarta, the center of Gudeg on Wijilan Street to remote areas in the province of DIY.

Special on Wijilan Street, there are many stores selling Gudeg with price and taste vary. Besides Gudeg, at Wijilan Street we can also find a variety of gifts typical of Jogja. Particularly in the Palace District, Gudeg can we find in some other places, such as in restaurants or food stalls, food stalls scattered in various parts of the Palace District.

Usually to entice prospective buyers, sellers pack Gudeg Gudeg wares with attractive packaging, which is served with kendhil, the container made of clay. In addition to attract more potential buyers, it also makes kendhil Gudeg more distinctive taste and better. Gudeg kendhil can we find in almost any place that sells Gudeg.

Based Gudeg young jackfruit stewed in conjunction with special spices, Santen, at the bottom and the top pan ingredients to boil boiled the leaf were young teak. To get the flavor and color Gudeg perfect and delicious, the material is boiled for about overnight. Teak leaves are used to obtain an attractive color Gudeg. For his areh or broth made from coconut milk, spices, and turmeric for coloring. Broth is poured on top Gudeg already ready to serve, only a little, but gravy is also sprinkled with fried onions.

Gudeg has a sweet taste. Gudeg usually served with warm rice, boiled eggs, chicken, chicken claw, tofu, tempeh, krupuk, and others. To drink mate, can drink anything; such as hot tea, warm orange, iced tea, ice lemon, white water, and others. It was less complete if a visit to Yogyakarta without feeling Gudeg.

Source :
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohnl6IWcTI0m9qSocp0kYGQgWhxCSzwbSq_2_8NXyYlTYyPC9hNKeeCBmTlzcJE3W1evr29y1k1UqDO0KtbbXUtnn4vFJOmrNuxjBKLLOQezsWhlotlMlt8n-N3IJfYTRPTxE-wh2cilM/s400/gudeg+yogya.jpg

President asks govt agencies to implement budgets promptly

2010-01-06T12:34:00.000-08:00

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has reminded all administrative authorities to implement their work programs in 2010 and not to postpone implementation of their budgets.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono made the statement here on Tuesday when handing over a List of Approved Projects (DIPA) 2010 to ministries and departments as well as regional administrations.

All regulations on budget disbursement and policies on goods and services procurement were available, the head of state said.

Therefore, there was no excuse for postponing the implementation of budgets, he said.

The head of state presented the DIPAs from the 2010 State Budget at the State Palace at a ceremony attended by Vice President Boediono, all cabinet ministers and 33 provincial governors from across the country.

The government is expected to allocate funds from the 2010 State Budget amounting to Rp1,047.7 trillion or 15.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product.

The allocation of state budget funds for the central government is estimated at Rp725.2 trillion or 12.1 percent from the state budget, or up Rp79.8 trillion or 12.4 percent from Rp645.4 trillion in the 2009 state budget.

"The larger state budget should be spent as best as possible for the improvement of the people`s welfare," the president said.

Among government institutions and ministries receiving the largest amounts of DIPA funds totaling Rp340.1 trillion were the defense ministry (Rp42.3 trillion), the national education ministry (Rp55.2 trillion), the public works ministry (Rp34.8 trillion) , the religious affairs ministry (Rp27.2 trillion), the national police (Rp27.2 trillion) and the health ministry (Rp21.4 trillion). The transportation ministry (Rp15.8 trillion).

The president on the occasion presented DIPA funds to National Education Minister M Nuh for the 2010 budget for national education, and to Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati as the state`s general treasurer.

The 33 governors would also receive DIPA funds from President Yudhoyono for their 2010 regional budgets.(*)

Source :
http://www.antara.co.id/en/news/1262733478/president-asks-govt-agencies-to-implement-budgets-promptly
http://danisugiri.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/budget_1918.jpg

Insight: Gus Dur, his cultural legacy lives on

2010-01-05T20:09:00.001-08:00

Indonesia saw out the year 2009 with unexpected sadness in the passing of one of the country’s most valuable individuals: Abdurrahman “Gus Dur” Wahid.
He was the nation’s fourth president after Sukarno, Soeharto and B.J. Habibie. But he was the first to be elected in a post-authoritarian system of government.
In 1998, socioeconomic and political crises forced Soeharto to resign from the presidency he had occupied for more than three decades.
His vice president, Habibie, then took over for less than two years. In 1999 the People’s Consultative Assembly favored Gus Dur over Megawati Soekarnoputri to lead the country. Regardless of his physical limitations, he was considered the only person who could heal the country and unite the fragmented parties. Ironically, after less than two full years, his presidency was nullified and handed over by the Assembly to his vice president, Megawati.
It is important to note, however, that Gus Dur would not be remembered more as Indonesia’s fourth president. Instead, our reminiscence of him centers on the very fact that he was a man, an extraordinary one in fact, who dedicated himself to tolerance, pluralism, democracy and respect for human rights.
He might have failed as a president, yet he thrived as an ardent advocate of these important and fundamental issues. And because of that, he will be missed most as a person who others — regardless of socio-religious affiliation or ethnic origin — could lean on and turn to in their agonized as well as frustrating moments.
For Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest Islamic organization in the country, he will be remembered more as an activist who guided the institution into modernity — in the truest sense of the word. In this organization, he deserved to be put on a par with Hasyim Asy’ari and Idham Chalid. The former was the NU founder and also Gus Dur’s grandfather. The latter was one of NU’s most well-known politicians, who led the organizations for decades.
Gus Dur entered Indonesia’s socio-religious and political limelight in the 1970s. As a leader at his grandfather’s Islamic boarding school in Jombang, East Java, he quickly impressed many Jakarta-based NGO activists. Though one should not forget that after all Gus Dur also spent his early years in Jakarta — given that his father, Wachid Hasyim, was a notable statesman and former minister of religious affairs.
Dawam Rahardjo, Adi Sasono, Utomo Dananjaya, the late Eky Syachruddin and Tawang Alun were among the earliest to regard him as a colleague. Having known him for several years, they were among his strongest supporters in his bid to be the NU head.
With Nurcholish Madjid joining his ranks, in 1980 Gus Dur succeeded Idham Chalid as chairman of NU.
He stayed at the helm of the organization for 15 years, successfully transforming it into a strong civil society institution.
It was during this time that Gus Dur also became a regular contributor for many media outlets.
Tempo, Kompas and Prisma were among his favorites. His interests were wide-ranging, but he was very keen to address the issue of Islam-state relations. Many misunderstood him as a proponent of secularism. Had they read him more carefully, they would know that he only wanted to place Islam in the context of Indonesia — culturally and politically.
This was where his idea of indigenization came in. In his view there is no need to put Islam culturally in the context of its origin, Saudi Arabia.
In Indonesia, Islam would thrive and make no discordance if it developed in the country’s socio-cultural context. Because of that, it is incumbent upon Islam to accept pluralism and accommodate indigenous and local cultures. Islam should also serve as a complementary factor in Indonesia’s socio-cultural and political life.
It was in this regard that once he posed the rhetorical question, “Why must we use the Arab word shalat [or pray] if the Indonesian term sembahyang is no less true [than the former in meaning]?”
And on another occasion he argued for the socio-cultural comparability of the Arabic “Assalamualaikum” with local greetings such as “Selamat pagi”.
These viewpoints became controversial only because many did not grasp the noble intention behind them.
Indonesians, whether in agreement with his ideas or otherwise, will likely remember Gus Dur in this context. They will miss him most for his viewpoints, controversial though they may be. With his demise, many will long for a father figure to lend them a hand in times of need and despair. It is very unlikely that they will see him in the context of the shortest period of his history — as the fourth president of the Republic of Indonesia.

by : Bactiar Effendy

Source :
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/01/05/insight-gus-dur-his-cultural-legacy-lives.html
http://anakbangsa69.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/gusdur-senyum1.jpg

160 Thousand Indonesian Children Infected with HIV / AIDS

2010-01-05T19:55:00.000-08:00

National AIDS Commission (KPAN) recorded about 160 thousand children in Indonesia are under 15 years of age infected with HIV / AIDS. Most of these children have HIV / AIDS from parents.

KPAN Secretary Nafsiah Mboi said KPAN with several pediatricians in Indonesia now is trying to do therapy on children with HIV / AIDS including the provision of drug seeking HIV / AIDS or antiretroviral (ARV) special children, although antiretroviral drugs in children is still imported from India.

According Nafsiah, the government is also now being sought to provide prevention services HIV / AIDS transmission from mother to child. "Starting this 2009 more and more hospitals and doctors can take steps to prevent from parents to the baby," he said.

He acknowledged the stigma and discrimination also still occur in health institutions, although patients with HIV / AIDS are children. According to him, the future need for an HIV / AIDS is more focused on children and adolescents.

Sekatenan in Yogyakarta

2010-01-05T19:09:00.001-08:00

Sekaten is a preliminary ceremony of the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad in the environment of Yogyakarta Palace and Surakarta (Solo). In addition to commemorating the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, sekaten also used by the King / Sultan to communicate with people and to give thanks to God's blessing.

Sekaten also often regarded as the People's Party. Sekaten Night Market is a local tour event whose existence was so eagerly awaited by the people of Yogya and Solo.

Usually one week before the closing, Kanjeng gamelan Kyai Kyai Gunturmadu and Kanjeng Nogowilogo removed from its storage place in Sri Manganti to be placed in the ward and then transferred to Ponconiti grand mosque yard with a convoy of abdi dalem (court officials) to be sounded every day except Friday . Another requirement is to eat betel nginang alias believed to make a young, red egg aka abang egg as a symbol of life, there is also sego tasty (rice uduk) is interpreted as a request that the upcoming crops succeed, then there is also whips (whips ) which means to try.

At the closing ceremony Sekaten, gamelan will be drawn back into the palace accompanied by courtiers. as the climax of the sekaten "grebegan". where there will be 4 "mountain" (a pile of food that resembles a mountain) which will be distributed to the people who believed to bring fortune.

At the end of the procession will appear 4 mountains (Mount Kakung, Estri, Gepak and Pawuhan), where the mountains are brought from the palace and will be a bone of contention residents. Previously, 1 mountain (kakung) brought to the area accompanied by a bodyguard Pakualaman elephants and other troops for grabs people. The other 3 mountains will be brought to the mosque gedhe as an offering to the people of Yogyakarta. There is a myth that says that when he got the blessing mountain will come to us. So that people would expect a blessing to scavenge the rest of the mountain that is not drawn.

Long before the "core", the local authorities have warned people who crowded and jostled for the order. Even been warned that his mountain fighting after the prayer offered. However, when entering the mosque gedhe Mount community has urged for progress. Whereas the existence of these mountains are still outside the mosque complex. But it often happens even totally out of control, before the prayer over the people's fight for hope Mount blessing.

SBY eyes 6.6% average annual growth rate

2010-01-05T12:04:00.000-08:00

Indonesia’s economy may grow by an average annual rate of 6.6 percent over the next five years and reach 7 percent by the end of 2014, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said at the opening of the first trading day in 2010 of the Indonesia Stock Exchange.
In his second five-year term Yudhoyono plans by 2014 to have the unemployment rate fall to between 5 and 6 percent from 8 percent currently, and to reduce the poverty rate to between 8 and 10 percent from 14.2 percent.
Yudhoyono said the Indonesian economy showed all the favorable conditions required to attain 7 percent growth by 2014 as long as there was economic and political stability.
A key contributing factor to economic stability, he said, was to have strong foreign currency reserves.
“We now have only US$65 billion [in foreign currency reserves]. This must be increased in line with our volume of trading,” Yudhoyono said, announcing a target of US$100 billion for currency reserves by 2014.
Yudhoyono also lauded the performance of the IDX in 2009, which had emerged as the second best performer in Asia with a growth of 86.98 percent.
“I really thank and appreciate all the parties who have been working hard last year,” Yudhoyono said, following which he pressed the button to start this year’s trading.
The IDX is expected to be among the markets that will remain bullish this year due to the country’s strong economic fundamentals at a time when many economies are still suffering from recession.
The IDX closed the day with a rise of 41.06 points or 1.6 percent to stand at 2,575.41, the steepest increase since Nov.16, Bloomberg reported.
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said that stock market positive performance was achieved due to the government’s responsive actions to cushion the impacts of the global economic downturn.
Mulyani said the government’s measures in handling the crisis last year had succeeded in maintaining market confidence.
“As a result, we experienced a stable economy in 2009 which placed Indonesia as one of the very few countries in the world which were able to post positive growth despite the [global] crisis,” she said.
Indonesian economic conditions are stabilizing after the market collapse and turbulence as a result of the global financial crisis, which reached its peak by the end of 2008. The inflation rate in 2009 reached 2.78 percent year-on-year in December, the lowest inflation rate in a decade, while the rupiah remained stable at between Rp 9,400 and Rp 9,600 to the US dollar.
Low inflation may give the BI room to keep its benchmark interest rate at a record-low 6.5 percent when policy makers meet on Wednesday.
Chatib Basri, an adviser to the finance minister said the inflation rate was likely to reach 6 to 7 percent in 2010 assuming the rupiah remained stable at 9,800 to the dollar.
The economy would receive a boost from the expected rebound in exports which were expected to recover from a 15 percent fall in 2009 by the middle of the year, he said.
“Exports have begun to recover but still at a slow pace. The global economic crisis has eased but it will take time to impact on investment and export rates,” Chatib said.
Unlike exports, the investment rate has already regained ground and demonstrated positive growth.
“Investment is already going up, albeit slowly,” he said.

Source :
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/01/05/sby-eyes-66-average-annual-growth-rate.html

Aceh Sharia forbids Chinese dance of the lions

2010-01-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

Indonesians of Chinese descent are in revolt against the decision of the

Religious Affairs Office of Aceh, which has banned the popular barongsay(the dance of the lions, ed) during the commemorations of the fifth anniversary of the tsunami. The authorities explain that it is clearly extraneous to local culture and they want to "maintain religious harmony." The descendants of the Chinese replicate by describing the decision as "ridiculous".

Kim, an Indonesian of Chinese descent in North Jakarta, speaks of a "ridiculous and shameful" decision, in open violation of the five basic principles (the Pancasila) that "ensure full respect for cultural diversity." They are the five pillars of secular nationalism, on which the country has built its history since independence in 1945. "The decision to ban the barongsay - he adds - humiliates the various ethnic groups in Indonesia, including the Chinese people of Aceh."

The dance of the lions (pictured) was in program for 26 December next, the fifth anniversary of the tsunami tragedy, which caused hundreds of casualties among the Chinese community in Aceh. Groups coming from the province of North Sumatra were also to have attended the ceremony.

A. Rahman TB, an official of the Religious Affairs Office of Aceh - the most fundamentalist province of the country, where Islamic law is in force - justifies the decision stressing that the dance "has never been represented before” and the desire to maintain" religious harmony among the Muslims of Aceh and other ethnic groups in the province".

"It's stupid" replies Martini, a woman of Chinese origin who lives in Jakarta, based on "completely unfounded reasons". The Chinese community states that thebarongsay has"no religious character”, but is only a" cultural show ". Finally they add that they received all necessary permits from local authorities, including a police permit.

The Chinese community in Indonesia suffered harsh repression during the dictatorship of General Suharto (1967 - 1998). He had imposed a ban on all traditional cultural expressions, including the characters, language and dance of the lions. According to the dictator, the leaders of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) were responsible for the massacre of a group of army generals in 1965. The ban ordered by Suharto was removed in 2000 by his successor, Abdurrahman Wahid, "Gus Dur", who granted greater autonomy and freedom.

The hostility toward the Chinese ethnic community is also caused by economic reasons. Merchants, bankers, industrialists, they have long controlled the national economy. Moreover, the Chinese – once majority Buddhist – are now increasingly converted to Christianity and have become an ideal target for Islamic fundamentalist fringes in the country.

http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=17172&size=A